Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has approved the new revised toll rates for motorists using the Nairobi Expressway.
The new charges were communicated in a gazette notice dated December 19, 2023, which said the new rates take effect from December 31, 2023.
In the new rates, the least amount motorists using saloon cars will pay to use the Expressway is Ksh170 compared to Ksh120 that was previously paid.
The highest amount motorists with saloon cars will pay to use the road will be Ksh500 compared to Ksh360 previously.
Murkomen attributed the increase to the global dollar variation rates.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 4B (3) of the Public Roads Toll Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport approves the toll rates for the Nairobi Express Way as set out in the Schedule,” the notice reads.
“The Base Toll Rates may be adjusted as per the CPI and Exchange Rate on and after the Commercial Operation Date,” added the statement.
Thirdway Alliance Party Leader Ekuru Aukot raised concerns about Murkomen’s new move which was necessitated by the depression of the shilling against the US dollar.
In his argument, Aukot lamented that the Kenyan shilling had only depreciated by 21 per cent against the US dollar yet the new charges for Nairobi Expressway had been increased by 50 per cent.
“To justify 50% increase on the Expressway charges, CS @kipmurkomen is quoting the depreciation of the KES to the dollar. We all know KES depreciated by 21% last year and this is an increase of 50%. That is the CS’ 2024 gift to Kenyans!” Aukot wrote on his X account.
To justify 50% increase on the Expressway charges, CS @kipmurkomen is quoting the depreciation of the KES to the dollar.
— Dr. Ekuru Aukot (@EAukot) January 1, 2024
We all know KES depreciated by 21% last year and this is an increase of 50%. That is the CS’ 2024 gift to Kenyans! pic.twitter.com/I12eEuxXqQ
